Thank you keiman and kei and daisygirl101 for beta reading and helping me improve!

I do not own Chicken Little. Chicken Little is owned by Disney. I only lay claim to Chauncey Cheetah, Chester Cheetah, Chelsie Cheetah, and Chip Cheetah.

Chapter 11

The next few days were a breeze for Chauncey Cheetah. After Doug Donkey stated he would train the tall cheetah personally, he was a man of his word.

Doug taught Chauncey a variety of moves he learned when he was on the boys' basketball team with Oakey Oaks High School. One was dribbling with his eyes closed, and another was how to relax before every game.

In his senior year of high school, the Acorns won it all behind the backs of the donkey's stellar play. He had a triple-double in the championship game, with forty-seven points, fifteen rebounds, and twelve assists. With his performance, Doug was named MVP.

Then the donkey explained how he went to coaching after graduating from high school. He started out as a coach for a youth basketball team until he was named head coach of the boys' basketball team of Oakey Oaks Middle School about four years after graduating from Oakey Oaks University.

"Wow! That's an amazing story!" Chauncey exclaimed as he continued to masterfully dribble several basketballs at once.

"Thank you very much Chauncey. Glad you think so," the donkey beamed.

The cheetah, however, was still curious as to why he chose his coaching career. "If you were so good at basketball, then why not continue? You could've led Oakey Oaks University to at least one championship and possibly gone off to the pros."

"I was heavily thinking about doing that after we won it all during my senior year in high school. No matter what happened that year, we were just a great team, and got better as the season marched on. However, after a very inspirational talk from the team's head coach that year, I decided to follow his footsteps, and pursue a career in coaching. At first, I regretted the decision, but I chose to follow my passion just like every else follows theirs," Doug explained.

The cheetah understandingly nodded, taking in the words he just heard.

"Definitely makes sense," Chauncey remarked.

Doug nodded. "Since today is the last day of tryouts, our team will be announced after they conclude. One boy I know for sure will be a virtual lock to return to our team is Ryan Rabbit. He was one of our best players last year besides Brett Bear, known for his three-point shooting and crafty dribbles."

"I agree. In physical education, he and I competed in a game of speed. Although I won, he congratulated me. That tells me he is a good sport," Chauncey said.

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"He is a good sport indeed. After we lost the championship game last year, he was visibly devastated, just like me and the rest of the team. Nonetheless, he congratulated Fred Fox of the Spud Valley Taters for winning back-to-back championships as well as back-to-back MVPs," the donkey stated.

"That is being a good sport. While I have never lost a game of basketball before, I would have done the same thing if I were on the team last year," Chauncey replied.

"Well said Chauncey," Doug complimented, admiring the cheetah's maturity level despite being just twelve years of age.

The cheetah smiled as he continued practicing and putting on a show in front of the awestruck donkey.

That night, just as tryouts concluded, the coach blew his whistle, which sounded and echoed across the walls of the gymnasium.

"All right boys. Listen up. Today was our last day of tryouts. That means we will select our team for this year," the coach announced.

Just then, Chauncey Cheetah and Doug Donkey walked into the gymnasium in silence.

Whispers sounded from the boys as they wondered what was going on.

"Doug Donkey and I will talk to each and every one of you personally to tell you if you make the team or not. Until your turn comes, please find a hoop and take turns shooting ten free throws each," the coach stated.

All the boys did as they were told, rushing to the racks of basketballs, and grabbing a ball before heading to the nearest basketball hoop.

As the coach watched the boys, Doug Donkey and Chauncey Cheetah walked up to him.

"Hey coach?" Doug asked.

"Yeah Doug?" the coach responded.

"I would like you and I to talk to Chauncey personally about whether he made the team or not," the donkey explained.

"Sure. Right this way," the coach said as the three made their way to the exit of the gym.

Chauncey was getting a little nervous. While the cheetah was confident he would make the team, another part of him was telling him there might be a chance he would not be on the team. Nevertheless, he decided to see what both coaches had to say.

After they were just outside the gym and had closed the door, Doug was the first one to speak.

"I am very proud of you Chauncey. You have impressed me with everything you can do. What I like most about you though is you always have a great attitude and are willing to work hard to get better," Doug began.

Chauncey nodded, listening eagerly.

"With this in mind, I would like to announce that you are the new leader of the boys' basketball team. Congratulations Chauncey Cheetah," Doug smiled broadly as he held out his hand to the tall cheetah.

Chauncey was unable to hold back the adrenaline coursing through him as he gratefully took the donkey's hand.

"Thank you so much coach! You have no idea how much this means to me and our school!" Chauncey exclaimed.

"Of course. It really is going to mean a lot when we can have a great season this year," Doug smiled back.

"Well done Chauncey. Welcome to the team," the coach said.

"Thanks coach," the cheetah smiled.

"Not a problem Chauncey," the coach stated before clearing his throat. "Now that you are on the team, I'd like to say something."

Chauncey nodded, listening.

"We only choose the hardest working basketball players on our team. Boys who will be willing to do anything on the court to ensure we have a successful season. That means making plays for teammates and listening to what the coach has to say. After last year, I would like to see us get over the hump this year. Am I clear?" the coach said, raising his eyebrows.

"Crystal coach," Chauncey stated.

"Alright. Again, congrats. Our first game of the season is the beginning of November. Practice will begin next week," the coach said, nodding to the cheetah.

"Sounds good coach," the cheetah said.

"You've done very well Chauncey. Please keep it up," Doug encouraged.

With a solemn nod, the cheetah replied, "I will not let you down coach."